DIY Network

DIY Basics: Battling Mosquitoes From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-208

Here, learn some simple ways to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your time outdoors. Home improvement expert James Young has the DIY Basics to battling mosquitoes.

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Figure A

Tips:

1. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Sweep away standing water after a rain (figure A).

2. If you are trying to enjoy your patio, remember that mosquitoes love perfume. Also, place a few oscillating fans outside. Mosquitoes do not like disturbed air.

3. Buy a bug zapper (figure B). These are more effective on larger bugs, but you can buy a mosquito attracter to place inside.

4. Citronella torches are good to use (figure C). Create a border around your patio that is no more than five feet from where you will be sitting.

5. If you have a pond, buy mosquito dunks (figure D). These will float in the water and kill mosquito larvae before they hatch. They are not harmful to fish or plants.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

6. A mosquito trap burns propane which generates carbon dioxide...mixed with a chemical that lures mosquitoes in to the trap (figure E).